Page 93 of Hello Darling

Epilogue – Evan

*Less Than One Year Later*

How can one accurately describe such love and happiness? It’s like trying to take a picture of a big beautiful full moon above the sparkling ocean. You just can’t capture that kind of magnificence with anything you use everyday, like words or a camera phone.

The world somehow feels a lot smaller when you’re committed to someone, no matter how far apart we are in terms of miles or kilometers. It didn’t take long for Stella to realize this. I knew she would, eventually. I’m not going to say anything grandiose and cheesy like “our adventure in love has spanned the globe,” but it has. More importantly, it has also been a much-needed oasis in the chaos of my work life. I’m also not going to wax poetic about Stella being my North Star when I feel lost at sea, but she really fucking is. I try to be that for her, whenever she needs it.

I’m feeling nostalgic, because we’re at a special screening ofCover-upat the Rose Theater in Port Gladstone. Stella already accompanied me to the L.A. and London premieres, the film has already opened to great success around the world, but this screening means the most to both of us.

Stella’s whole family is here in the audience, including her grandparents, and Martin’s girlfriend Lauren, as well as Stella’s friend Mona and Mona’s fiancé. Keaton is still “going stag” as he says, but Billy has brought a date. She’s the animal talent agent who now represents Chet. After his big dramatic barking scene in this movie, she insists on rebranding him as “the Tom Hardy of Labradoodles.” She lives in Seattle and insists that she needs to stay there for her business, while Billy insists that he needs to stay in Port Gladstone for his. Stella has remained remarkably quiet and gracious in regards to this dilemma. I am certain that he will find a way to make it work if he wants to.

Joe Starkey may never get over losing the love of his life, and no one blames him, but at least Stella is trying to find him a suitable girlfriend now. She will. Once she sets her mind to something, she is a force to be reckoned with.

During the Q and A after the screening, my favorite natural-looking brunette is next in line at the microphone that’s been set up in the center aisle of the theater.

“Hello darling,” I sit up on my stool in front of the screen and grin into my cordless mic. “Do you have a question for me?”

“Yes. Care to comment on the rumors around town that you are, in fact, currently a married man?”

“Yes I would like to comment on that, in fact.” This girl. Full of surprises. I was going to have Hen release a formal statement and pictures when we were ready, but apparently we’re ready now. “Two days ago, I tied the knot with a local woman called Stella Starkey, who is now officially known as Stella Starkey-Hunter. We will be having another ceremony in Cornwall early next year. We met here, about a year ago, and had planned a long engagement, but then she went and got knocked-up so I decided to make an honest woman out of her…I suppose this is an appropriate time to announce it, since she won’t be able tocover upher baby bump for much longer.”

Stella groans and gives me a much deserved eye roll, just as Mrs. Flauvich appears from out of nowhere and tackles her, giving my lovely wife a big hug.

Stella has continued helping to expand her family business, and now she’s doing her part to expand the family.

The crowd cheers and applauds, louder than they did for the film. I take no offence. That’s why I love this town, and know that it will be the best place for our kids to grow up. If it’s a girl, her middle name will be Cora, after Stella’s mother. If it’s a boy, she’s insisting that he be called Hugh. Probably not the best idea.

You’ll be an excellent daddy, young lad. I remember back when I had only one little nipper’s nappies to change. Enjoy it. Let’s set up a play date when you’re all in London.

Thanks, Hugh.

Thatisa good idea.